Bubba Wallace will not return to Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2021 NASCAR season.

Statement from Richard Petty Motorsports:

Earlier this morning, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., informed Richard Petty Motorsports he will not be returning for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season. We will complete the season with Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We look forward to the next chapter in the making for the iconic No. 43 team. We will announce our new driver in the near future.

The 26-year-old’s contract with RPM is set to expire at the end of this season after the NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Nov. 8.

Wallace stated Aug. 9 that he had contract offers from RPM and Chip Ganassi Racing. Wallace has an ownership stake in Richard Petty Motorsports.

Wallace has made 103 career Cup starts and has nine career top 10s. His best finish this season is fifth at the Daytona oval in August.   

Wallace posted a statement on social media, saying: “This was not an easy decision as I have nothing but the utmost respect for Richard Petty and his family, but I believe it’s time for someone else to take over the reins of the No. 43. … We’ve got nine more races together, and I hope we can finish the 2020 season on a high note.”

Wallace, the only Black driver to compete full-time in one of NASCAR’s three national divisions, gained widespread attention this season by speaking out against social injustice and police brutality.

Wallace is believed to have an offer from Chip Ganassi for the #42 Chevy, but reports today claim Ganassi rescinded his offer when he received no answer a few weeks ago.

The latest reports are claiming Bubba Wallace will race for Hendrick Motorsports in the #48 next season to replace Jimmie Johnson. Johnson has been very supportive this season for Wallace not only as a driver but an activist off track. This on top of all the sponsors Wallace has signed over the last few months, points to Bubba heading to Hendrick. Again, these are just rumors but all signs point to Hendrick for Bubba.

One scenario mentioned is Hendrick moving Alex Bowman to the #48 and bringing on a funded driver for the #88. The odds of Hendrick shrinking to three teams in minimal due to manufacturer contracts. Bubba Wallace has signed a number of personal sponsorship deals and could end up driving the #88 with them and Bowman could end up in the 48 with Ally on the car.

We’ll keep you posted.

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